Cold Wave Grips Pakistan: Snowfall, Freezing Temperatures Batter Country
A severe cold wave has beset Pakistan, affecting multiple regions, with temperatures plummeting across the country. The harsh winter weather has brought in its wake a beautiful snow landscape, drawing tourists to scenic sites like Shogran, but it has also presented challenges, particularly in the upper regions.
Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its breathtaking landscapes, has recorded temperatures as low as -9°C, with Skardu experiencing the coldest night at -11°C and Gupis at -9°C. This drastic drop in temperature has resulted in waterfalls and several lakes freezing. The picturesque Kaghan Valley, on the other hand, now boasts a rare and mesmerizing beauty, attracting tourists to the scenic town of Shogran. Here, residents and visitors alike can behold snow-covered mountains adding a surreal dimension to the traditional landscape of the area. Balochistan, meanwhile, is experiencing extreme cold, with lows of -5°C recorded in Quetta and -6°C in Kalat, not an easy time for the populace who endure prolonged periods of harsh weather totetermine. It is indeed a difficult situation, both for visitors and inhabitants of that region alike. Even the usually balmy Karachi is not immune, with nighttime lows plummeting to 9°C and morning temperatures standing at 11°C, causing substantial discomfort to residents.
Pakistan's Met department did report record low temperatures. Weather conditions across the nation have been extensively evaluatted. They record the lowest temperature of the month (-9.2°C) in Karachi and lows of 8.5°C in the Jinnah Terminal area. Projections indicate heat levels will range between 9-12°C in the coming two days, a stark contrast to the normal range. However, heavy humidity remained constant at 13 percent as the highest peak. Similarly, temperatures deviated by 3 degrees from the normal for the upper Sindh and central regions and by 4 degrees for Tharparkar and Umerkot districts. The Met Department warned of impending severe cold weather nationwide, particularly South Sindh where temperatures were notably lower to average forecasts forecasting congestion of damp air.
Pakistanians are no strangers to severe weather conditions, though this particular winter season presents unique challenges. Authorities have issued warnings and advisories called for precautions to safeguard against cold-related health issues and power disruptions. While there's an aura of the magic around the snow-covered landscapes that continue to captivate the imagination of both locals and tourists, the harsh weather perimeter constitutes a serious issue.
